Yes, good coffee can be difficult to find in Tokyo but it seems that it's not as hard as it once was. Cafe Luigi is one that you can count on for a strong espresso - just what you need after doing the Omote-Sando strip. Located in a laneway between Omote-Sando and Takeshita Dori [the well known epicentre of the Harajuku youth scene] this stylish and individual cafe is a great place to spend some quiet time.The owner [a Japanese man, incidentally] also serves a range of cold drinks including alcohol. Food is not the focus. However, a small selection of snacks to accompany drinks is displayed on the end of the bar.
The cafe reflects the owner's style and affection for Italy, but is in no way cliched. For example, the walls at the rear of the cafe are decorated with items related to the futuristic industrial designer Luigi Colani. It did occur to me that the cafe was perhaps a dedication.
The area surrounding Luigi's is a maze of laneways full of great shopping and little restaurants. So much to explore! Perhaps you'll need another of Luigi's espressos before you get going.
